Since I get a lot of samples, some people ask me what I do with them all! The truth is that we do use a lot for our own family, we also donate and giveaway a lot to local charities, churches and other events that help people. I have also gotten creative over the years with samples and making them into fun gift bags and treat bags! Here are a few of the things you can do with samples!
Make Goodie Bags
- Having a Beach Party? Fill bags with samples of allow lotion, sunblock, and Chapstick.
- Bachelorette Party or Girls Night Out? Buy small fabric sachets at the dollar store (usually 4 for $1) and fill with makeup, lotion, lipgloss, vitamin, and pain relief samples.
- Know a child that has lost their first tooth? Put together a little bag of toothpaste, floss, and toothbrush samples with a note that says congrats on loosing your first tooth!
- Know someone that is moving into a new house? Put together samples of cleaning products, tape, labels, bath products and paper products for the new homeowner.
- Have a friend with a baby on the way? Baby products are always available to be sampled! Wipes, formula, diapers, creams and baby food make a great gift! Put them in a diaper bag or cute basket and you have a great gift!
Donate Like a Diva
When I once got about 50 samples of pet food and pet snack together I paired them with about 50 cans of cat food that I had gotten for free with coupons. I put them in a box and took them to my local pet shelter and made a donation! They were more than thankful for the things I had brought and called me “The Donation Diva” for dropping them off! The truth is people will love anything that you can donate, especially around the holidays. I save samples that I know we will not use and put them in a box with canned foods to donate at the holidays. So next time instead of saying ” I don’t need that” turn it around and say “I will find someone that needs that” . I have never had anyone say no to a donation of samples. From dog food to baby cereal all I have ever heard is “thank you so much, this is great!”
Be Organized
To make sure I know what I have, I picked up little bins at the dollar store and labeled them. This way I could always see what I have and therefore what I want to donate, collect or keep. Here are a few of the bins I have:
- Lotions
- Mouth Care
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body Wash/Soap
- Makeup/Skin Care
- Cold and Flu
- First Aid
- Donate
- Vitamins and Health
If you stay organized, you can see what you have rather than having a bunch of little packets in a drawer. It looks nicer and feels nicer to keep your samples organized and easy to access. What do you do with your samples? We would love to hear what your ideas are!
